Tour Dossier Hidden Treasures of Myanmar Classic Tour│18 Days│ Active Pace This document has been designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour. Classic Tours Designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures on a fully inclusive excellent value group tour. Hidden Treasures of Myanmar is an Active Pace tour. This is defined in our brochure as the following: Tours require a good level of fitness, as they are physically more demanding. They may involve hiking, longer days driving, climbing of stairs and in/out of boats will be necessary and some there may be travel to remote areas where tourist facilities are less developed. Anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Of course, our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Please refer to your Travel Guide for more information. Tour highlights: On our Hidden Treasures of Myanmar itinerary, you will visit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Pyay (Prome) and Monywa. Yangon - The former capital of Myanmar with parks, colonial buildings and the golden Shwedagon Pagoda Bagan - The home to over 3,000 temples and Myanmar’s greatest architectural site Mandalay - Considered to be the cultural centre of Myanmar and home to the world’s longest teak bridge Inle Lake - Famous for the people who live on and around it, known as the ‘Intha’ Pyay (Prome) - An ancient city known for its archaeological sites Monywa - Located on the banks of the Chindwin River which serves as a main trade centre between Myanmar and India Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant Destination Profile Myanmar - Is a spiritual country, largely unexplored by tourists until recently. It is known as the ‘Golden Land’ because of the countless number of pagodas and temples that dominate the landscape. In Myanmar, 89% of the population is devoutly Buddhist, which is reflected in their gentle and welcoming nature. Development In Myanmar - Although Myanmar is developing quickly, it still lacks the international standards of civil infrastructure and tourist facilities. Concepts of personal responsibility are also different to those in Australia. Consequently, tourist and public facilities may not uphold the same safety standards as in Australia; for example, you may see a hole in the road without a warning sign or safety barricade. All of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense, refer to notices and follow advice from you National Escort or Local Guide Cuisine in Myanmar - Most meals (excluding drinks) are included as indicated from the groups’ arrival until the day of departure. Our schedule of meals is designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout Myanmar. Seatbelts - Please note that seatbelts are not compulsory by law in Myanmar and therefore the local people largely choose not to wear them. For this reason, some vehicles may not be fitted with seatbelts or they may be hidden underneath protective seat covers. It is recommended that where seatbelts are available customers must use them and remain seated at all times while the vehicle is moving. If you have any concerns, please notify your National Escort or Local Guide. Traffic in Myanmar - Roads in Myanmar have generally improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road - not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only. Vehicles - Please be advised that the vehicles in Myanmar are very basic and old as no new vehicles have been brought into the country since a trade embargo was implemented on the country. You may find the seats to be smaller and have less leg room as the vehicles are designed for the smaller build of the Burmese. Wendy Wu Tours sources the best available vehicles; however these may vary from city to city. Joining Your Tour - The tour is 18 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on ‘Land Only’ arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 2 in Yangon and end the tour on Day 17 in Yangon. Please refer to your final itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure. Itinerary Changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day to day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. 2. Domestic flights are subject to frequent changes. For this reason we have indicated morning, afternoon or evening flights only. Your Local Guide or National Escort will inform you of any schedule changes as soon as they are informed of them. Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times - Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our office in Myanmar on +95 (0)9 977 11 5310 (24 hours) to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in Myanmar. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and an arrival transfer will be arranged accordingly. We will endeavor to arrange a transfer as soon as possible however delays may occur. If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in Myanmar as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times. Visit wendywutours.com.au Call 1300 727 998 to speak to a Reservations Consultant Itinerary – Hidden Treasures of Myanmar Day 1: Australia to Singapore the hotel. Food and drinks will not be served at this Day Outline meeting; it is simply an opportunity for your group to meet Fly with Singapore Airlines to Singapore for your overnight and learn more about travelling in Myanmar. stay at an airport hotel. In the event of flight delays or changes to arrival times, please see the details above as to Destination Information what to do in this circumstance. Yangon - With a population of over 5 million, Myanmar’s Brisbane and Perth passengers may depart on Day 2 on a former capital possesses a peaceful atmosphere with day flight to Yangon (no overnight stopover in Singapore colonial boulevards and tranquil lakes. This charming city required). thrives by night with bustling streets filled with stalls selling everything from locally made handicrafts to fruit and cigars. Physical Description Upon arrival at Singapore Airport, after proceeding through Day 3: Yangon customs and baggage claim, you will make your own way to Day Outline the Crown Plaza Hotel, located inside terminal 3. Once at After breakfast, you will start your walking tour of Yangon your hotel, check into your room and enjoy the remainder at the Central Post Office, and then stroll down Strand Road of the day at leisure. to the landmark Stand Hotel, before observing the locals going about their daily life on the busy Yangon River at Destination Information Pansodan Jetty. Continue walking up Pansodsan Street Singapore - With a unique tapestry of Chinese, Malay and famous for some of Yangon's most impressive colonial Indian traditions, Singapore allows visitors a number of architecture, before arriving at Mahaboandoola Park where sightseeing and culinary opportunities. you can view the Sule Pagoda. Day 2: Singapore to Yangon Next visit the National Museum, home to priceless ancient Day Outline artefacts. After lunch, explore the Bogyoke Markets before This morning make you way to the Singapore Airlines watching the sunset at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda counter in the departure hall, where you will check in for located on top of Singuttara Hill, where many locals and your onward flight to Yangon, Myanmar. Please ensure to Buddhists come to worship. be at the counter no less than 2 hours prior to the flight time. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Physical Description hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tour the city of Yangon. Visit Sule Pagoda for 15 minutes (shoes must be removed) and continue on foot for 1 hour Physical Description through the downtown area. Spend 30 minutes at Bogyoke Transfer to Singapore Airport via an airport shuttle bus and Market. This afternoon visit the sacred Shwedagon Pagoda board your flight to Yangon, Myanmar. (Flight duration (shoes must be removed), involving 2 hours on foot. three hours). You will be met at Yangon airport in the Arrivals hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort. Destination Information Together with all other group members who may be Strand Road and Pansodan Street - Many fine examples of arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 25 minutes to British colonial architecture dating from the mid 1800’s are your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if located downtown.